Answered2 years ago
What are the best ways to make international phone calls from Thailand without incurring high roaming costs?
About to go to Thailand soon on my DTV and will work a bit while there. My question is to those already in LOS with DTV. I will be spending around 4 hours a week or more on phone calls to and from Australia with work and I was wondering what do people do in this situation to reduce their phone bill? As I definitely need to make these phone calls and also need some data, the only option I know of so far to do this is using international roaming on my Aus provider, but it will cost me $5 per day, albeit tax deductible. I know I can get a Thai sim card, but I believe they wont cover me for my international phone calls and will only include data. Any suggestions in how to avoid $5 per day international roaming so I can make the required international phone calls? TIA
Update: I forgot to mention that some of the people l call don't have access to wifi calling, so l am not talking about making calls via Skype etc.
Update: I forgot to mention that some of the people l call don't have access to wifi calling, so l am not talking about making calls via Skype etc.
Answer summary
The post discusses ways to reduce phone bills while making international calls to Australia from Thailand on a DTV visa. The author is considering options to avoid $5 per day international roaming charges and seeks advice from others in Thailand. Responses suggest various strategies: using local SIM cards, VoIP services like Skype and Fongo, Wi-Fi calling to avoid extra charges, and specific mobile providers offering competitive rates for international calls. The conversation highlights the preference for reliable and cost-effective solutions among expats.
27 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Nin *****
I’ve called mobile phones off Skype and landlines, and helplines I don’t think they need wifi calling
Geoff ********
We changed our Australia provider to Amaysim and buy their international package which has phone calls and data included, works very well.
Good luck with both the phone and AFL.😜
Good luck with both the phone and AFL.😜
Luna *******
We just moved here . Both remote workers . We got AIS phones with unlimited everything . So we use that for communicating . As well as Facebook messenger .
Kaitlyn *********
I run 2 businesses in Canada and I use a program called open phone, works anywhere in the world. I would look into it as it may be an option that works for you
Marc **********
I use my Google voice number since it uses data and I'm mostly on wifi. Not sure if numbers are still available but it's great...text too!
Georgijus ************
You can use voip same price no matter where you are. Something like
**************************
or ***********
Michi ********
I use Fongo, more reliable than Skype as Skype kept ok dropping my calls.
You can get a text option too.
You can get a text option too.
Rok ********
I always use Skype for mobile and landline numbers; price per minute crazy cheap. Of course still get a local sim as data usually more stable than any wifi.
Dexerto *********
facetime if both of you using Iphone.
MacKenzie ******
Do you have to do strictly phone calls or are you able to do a wifi/data based plan?
I have personally used AIS (for years) and I get their yearly plan — 360 days at 4mbps for unlimited data, which is around 85USD per year for unlimited internet at fair speeds. If you want it to be 6mpbs, it’s around 100USD per year.
On this plan, I can hotspot my computer and take a zoom call.
They also have 6 month options and smaller.
Just go to an AIS shop and get the cheap SIM card and buy this “internet on-top” service. It’s the most inexpensive and good cell service I’ve found.
I have personally used AIS (for years) and I get their yearly plan — 360 days at 4mbps for unlimited data, which is around 85USD per year for unlimited internet at fair speeds. If you want it to be 6mpbs, it’s around 100USD per year.
On this plan, I can hotspot my computer and take a zoom call.
They also have 6 month options and smaller.
Just go to an AIS shop and get the cheap SIM card and buy this “internet on-top” service. It’s the most inexpensive and good cell service I’ve found.
Ross ********
OP@MacKenzie *****
Needs to be phone calls, not wifi base. I try to do as much as I can via Teams, but many people l speak to don't use wifi calling.MacKenzie ******
@Ross *******
ahh okay I understand! Best of luck finding the right plan for your situation!🙏
Tomasz ********
Just use WiFi calling. They charge you as you were in home country
Sefton ********
@Tomasz *******
mine still bills wifi calling as regular minutes, roaming and allBob **********
Skype
Ross ********
OP@Bob *********
Needs to be via telephone, not wifi because some of the people l speak to don't have itBob **********
@Ross *******
I use Magic App. Call any number in the states $3 a month been using it for 15 years but not all banks can send a OTP
Σειληνός **********
Use Wi-Fi calling if your local operator supports function. No charge for international in/outbound calls.
Ray *****
Skype
Neil ******
I use dtac, get a cheap tourist one at the airport (they will register it for you)then download the app and select what package you want. For international calls they charge 7bht a minute to landlines
Steve ***************
Dtac. You can even keep your number while no longer in Thailand. I return to my home in the South of France for 6-months each year without issue. Great coverage, easy to use phone app and affordable.
Neil ******
@Steve **************
exactly Steve, my time is split ***
with England and have had this number a couple of years now, got another sim recently for wireless internet at home( middle of rice fields)
Robert ************
I still use the highly unfashionable Skype. Haven't found better, though now you have to take a subscription to the country you want to call. Still very cheap if you're calling regularly.
Oh, and a local Sim for data
Oh, and a local Sim for data
Donna ******
@Robert ***********
Agreed, though I've had £10 credit going for about a decade (no joke), as the per minute rate is so low. But many long calls to the same destination could be cheaper with a sub.Robert ************
@Donna *****
They've stopped the top up credits now annoyingly. Luckily your £10 will last another decade or so!Donna ******
@Robert ***********
Oh, that is a pity! I've only got £6 left. Haha
Steve ********
My phone plan includes internet and international calls at 1 baht per minute
Activity
21 joined21
people
Related
25What should I do about my health insurance issue after getting DTV in Thailand?
793771mo
What should I do after my Thai visa application was rejected despite meeting all requirements?
514344mo
What are the best cities in Thailand for bodybuilders and what visa options are available for a 40-year-old expat?
5.9k50654mo
Is day trading considered a job under the Thai Retirement Visa rules?
4.1k37375mo
What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand after an ED visa?
5.2k48477mo
What visa options are available for expats marrying a Thai citizen after holding an Elite visa?
10.8k552138mo
Can I apply for the DTV Visa without a steady income while planning to study and create an online business in Thailand?
1.2k1169mo
What should I do to update my Thai banking app after getting a new phone and renewing my passport while on a DTV?
18.3k1791399mo
What visa options should I consider for taking cooking classes in Thailand and which would allow me to stay longer?
1.5k1251y
What type of visa should I apply for if I want to stay in Thailand for a year without working?
11k871311y
What are the best options for opening a bank account in Bangkok as a DTV visa holder?
1.5k10122y
What should I expect from the DTV interview in Taipei for my move to Thailand?
1.2k682y
What are the best visa options for someone going through a divorce in Thailand while managing health issues and offshore work?
1.7k1532y
Why is it difficult to open a Thai bank account on a DTV visa, and what can I do?
6.2k53472y
Can I open an online shop and sell handmade artwork from Thailand on a DTV visa?
9k72732y
Why won't Thai banks open accounts for DTV visa holders?
25.8k1973022y
What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand long-term without facing immigration issues?
4.8k35552y
Can I change the address linked to my bank account after it's opened in Pattaya?
2.6k16313y
What are the best translation devices or methods for Thai/English communication?
12.7k981413y
What is the process and requirements for obtaining a 10-year LTR visa in Thailand as a Wealthy Pensioner?
56.5k4487294y
What is the best way for my family to switch from tourist visas to Non-B and Non-O visas in Thailand?
843535y
What are the best digital phone options for maintaining a US number while in Thailand?
6.3k61275y
What documents are required to apply for an extension of a Non-B visa in Thailand?
713277y
What should I expect when applying for a 12-month Non-Immigrant O visa in Savannakhet, Laos?
52547y
How can my boyfriend convince Thai immigration he won't be working while studying online instead?
3.1k29178y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served